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Why You Should Never, Ever Pop A Nose Pimple

There's a special hell that is a ripe pimple cropping up in or around your nose. These intruders can be big, painful, and let's face it, total eyesores. But before you even think about giving one of those suckers a good squeeze, you should know that there's a reason—a few, actually—why you shouldn't mess with nose zits.

Popping a pimple anywhere usually isn't a good idea (you can read more about that here). But when it comes to your nose in particular, the stakes are considerably higher—so much so that experts have dubbed the region from your nasal bridge to the corners of your mouth the triangle of death or danger triangle, Mamina Turegano, MD, board-certified dermatologist at Sanova Dermatology in New Orleans, tells SELF.

The good news is that you probably won't die after going to town on that annoying nostril bump in front of your bathroom mirror, Dr. Turegano says. Still, we strongly suggest you keep reading to learn why, exactly, this area of your face has earned its ominous nickname.

What is the triangle of death?

Imagine a triangle with these three points: One at the top of your nose, and one at each corner of your mouth. Yep, everything inside that shape is the danger zone, Kiyanna Williams, MD, board-certified dermatologist and staff physician at the Cleveland Clinic, tells SELF.

"This area is unique because there are a lot of blood vessels there that are connected to the brain," Dr. Williams explains. Specifically, she's referring to a group of veins in the cavernous sinus, a region of the skull behind the eye sockets. An infection in the triangle of death (from a popped pimple or otherwise) can potentially travel through these blood vessels, which can lead to life-threatening conditions like meningitis, an infection of the tissues surrounding the brain and spinal cord, or cavernous sinus thrombosis (CST), a clot that restricts blood flow to the brain.

Yes, these scenarios sound incredibly scary, but don't panic: Getting a deadly infection from poking at a nose zit "is an extreme case," Dr. Williams says, "but that's why this part of the face, compared to the cheeks, for instance, is more high risk."

Why you shouldn't pop a pimple on your nose (or anywhere inside the "danger triangle").

You might get more zits.

CST worries aside, there are much more probable outcomes you'll want to avoid. For starters, you might make your blemish even angrier if you don't leave it the heck alone, Dr. Turegano says. That's because the force from squeezing can increase inflammation, leading to even more pain or swelling, according to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD).

Not to mention, you're also pushing and spreading the bacteria from inside your zit to nearby areas, which can cause new pimples to show up in those places, too, Dr. Turegano adds.

You're more likely to get a scar.

Putting pressure on your face by poking and picking is also a recipe for acne scarring, Dr. Williams says, especially if you're dealing with tender cystic bumps. Think about it: You're causing physical trauma to an already irritated spot, which can increase inflammation. In response to this injury, your body will try to heal the wound by releasing melanin (molecules responsible for skin pigment), potentially resulting in hyperpigmentation (a.K.A. Dark spots), Dr. Turegano explains. Even with surface-level whiteheads, squeezing can still increase inflammation and, therefore, potentially lead to scarring, she adds.

Everything You Need To Know About Abscesses And Boils

Boils usually start as red or purple and painful bumps.

A boil is a painful, pus-filled bump that forms under your skin when your hair follicles become infected by bacteria and get inflamed. A carbuncle is a cluster of boils (furuncles) that form a connected area of infection under the skin.

Boils usually start as red or purple and painful bumps. The bumps quickly fill with pus, growing larger and more painful until they rupture and drain.

Areas most likely to be affected are the face, back of the neck, armpits, thighs and buttocks. Pricking and squeezing boils is not advisable, as it usually leads to the spread of the infection.

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When are boils serious?

Urgently see your doctor if:

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You have more than one boil at a time.

It is found on your face or affects your vision.

Worsens rapidly or is extremely painful.

Gets bigger despite self-care

Causes high temperature or fever.

Has not healed in two weeks.

It recurs.

Causes

Most boils are caused by Staphylococcus aureus, a type of bacteria commonly found on the skin and inside the nose. Boils sometimes develop at sites where the skin has been broken by a small injury or an insect bite, which gives the bacteria easy entry.

Symptoms

Boils can occur anywhere on your skin, but appear mainly on the face, back of the neck, armpits, thighs and buttocks. These are the hairy areas where you're most likely to sweat or experience friction.

Signs and symptoms of a boil usually include:

A painful, red bump that starts out small and can enlarge to more than five centimetres.

Reddish or purplish, swollen skin around the bump.

An increase in the size of the bump over a few days as it fills with pus.

Development of a yellow-white tip that eventually ruptures and allows the pus to drain out.

A carbuncle is a cluster of boils that form a connected area of infection. Compared with single boils, carbuncles cause a deeper and more severe infection and are more likely to leave a scar.

People who have a carbuncle often feel unwell in general and may experience a fever and chills.

Risk factors

Anyone is at risk of developing boils. Even the people who seem healthy can develop boils or carbuncles.

The following factors, however, will increase your risk of developing these:

Close contact with a person who has a staph infection. You're more likely to develop an infection if you live with someone who has a boil or carbuncle.

Diabetes. This disease can make it more difficult for your body to fight infection, including bacterial infections of your skin.

Other skin conditions. Because they damage your skin's protective barrier, skin problems, such as acne and eczema, make you more susceptible to boils and carbuncles.

A compromised immune system. If your immune system is weakened for any reason, you're more susceptible to boils and carbuncles. Commonly HIV.

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Complications

Rarely, bacteria from a boil or carbuncle can enter your bloodstream and travel to other parts of your body. The spreading infection, commonly known as blood poisoning (sepsis), can lead to infections deep within your body, such as your heart (endocarditis) and bone (osteomyelitis).

Prevention

It's not always possible to prevent boils, especially if you have a weakened immune system. But the following measures may help you avoid staph infections:

Wash your hands regularly with soap and water. Or use an alcohol-based hand rub often. Careful hand-washing is your best defence against germs.

Keep wounds covered. Keep cuts and abrasions clean and covered with sterile, dry bandages until they heal.

Avoid sharing personal items, such as towels, sheets, razors, clothing, athletic equipment and other personal items. Staphylococcus aureus infections can spread via objects, as well as from person to person.

If you have a cut or sore, wash your towels and linens using detergent and hot water with added bleach, and dry them in a hot dryer.

Diagnosis

From a good history, physical examination, your doctor will be able to diagnose a boil or carbuncle simply by looking at it. A sample of the pus may be sent to the lab for testing. This may be useful if you have recurring infections or an infection that hasn't responded to standard treatment.

Many varieties of the bacteria that cause boils have become resistant to certain types of antibiotics. So laboratory testing can help determine what type of antibiotic would work best.

Treatment

You can generally treat small boils at home by applying warm compresses to relieve pain and promote natural drainage.

For larger boils and carbuncles, treatment may include:

Incision and drainage. Your doctor may drain a large boil or carbuncle by making an incision in it. Deep infections that can't be completely drained may be packed with sterile gauze to help soak up and remove additional pus.

Antibiotics. Sometimes your doctor may prescribe antibiotics to help heal severe or recurrent infections.

Self-treatment at home

For small boils, these measures may help the infection heal more quickly and stop it from spreading:

Warm compresses. Apply a warm washcloth or compress to the affected area several times a day, for about 10 minutes each time. This helps the boil rupture and drain more quickly.

Never squeeze or lance a boil yourself. This can spread the infection.

Prevent contamination. Wash your hands thoroughly after treating a boil. Launder clothing, towels or compresses that have touched the infected area, especially if you have recurrent infections.

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8 Spiritual Reasons Why Your Nose Might Be Itching

Woman rubbing her itchy nose

Winter is here, which means it's the season of snowy weather, chilly afternoons and itchy noses. While that can sometimes mean you need to stock up on medicine to try to stop a potential cold in its tracks, that's not always the case. In fact, many believe that having an itchy nose doesn't indicate that you're getting sick at all.

Instead, some say it's actually associated with the spiritual realm and when your nose has a tickling feeling, it can just be a subtle sign from above trying to give you some insight into your life. To learn more about what those signs can reveal and what some popular superstitions are, we spoke with numerologists and psychic mediums Kelly Brickel and Michelle Arbeau.

Brickel tells Parade that when you find yourself doing a strange mannerism subconsciously that isn't normally something you do, like itching your nose over and over again, it can be an indicator you're connecting with some sort of otherworldly energy.

"Psychically, you could be picking up on something going on within yourself, or within the environment around you," she explains. "Mediumistically, you could be picking up on the energy of a spirit, whether it's one from your own loved one, or one from someone else who is in proximity to you. So, don't overlook your nose when it's itching—it's an energetic antenna of your physical body."

Related: What an Itchy Right Hand Means Spiritually, According to Experts

8 Spiritual Reasons Why Your Nose Might Be Itching 1. You Need To Be More Present

"The saying 'stop and smell the roses' is a perfect example of why you should see an itchy nose as a message to stop and pay attention," Arbeau shares. "It's a sign to take note of the present moment, be grateful for what you have in your life and take a moment to reflect on the goodness and positivity in your life right now."

2. Angels Are Communicating

Seeing how the nose is the most prominent feature on a person's face since it sits right between one's eyes, Arbeau reveals it can be a common way for spirits of the deceased, angels, guides, etc., to communicate with you. "An itch on your nose could indicate that a loved one is trying to get your attention or let you know that they're around you."

Related: What Are Angel Numbers? Numerology Meanings of Angel Numbers

3. Your Chakra Has Been Activated

Did you know that your nose is associated with your throat chakra? According to Brickle, that is the communication center of your chakra system. "Your throat chakra deals with the energy of listening, speaking, sharing truth and having healthy expression, so if you have been having difficulties within those areas of life, feeling your nose itch could be highlighting that and trying to get you to check in with yourself."

4. Your Creative Juices Are Flowing

According to Arbeau, since a person's nose symbolically represents the passageway between the soul and the heart, it also signifies breathing in life-force energy. "If your nose is itchy, there could be a 'blockage' in the flow of this energy," she says. "Alternatively, it could mean you're about to receive a download of creative flow."

5. It Could Be Your Aura

Brickle tells Parade that an itchy nose could be a sign that your body is feeling the energy of your aura. "Feelings wake us up to signs and signals, like an itchy nose, so you should always pay attention to all the subtleties," she says.

6. Danger Is Near

Not all nose itching signs are good. In some instances, they could be warnings. "Your body is not just a body, it's an extension and tool with the way it picks up information," Brickle reveals.

Arbeau agrees, adding that everyone's nose has built-in radar. "When your eyes miss something, your nose can detect less obvious signals and signs," she says. "Like a dog's nose, people can also smell things like 'fear' and other non-visual hormones that can influence their thoughts, emotions and decision-making. Because of this, you can rely on your nose to warn you of dangers. If your nose itches in the presence of a particular person, place or thing, your nose may be trying to warn you about them."

Related: The Spiritual Meaning of Dreaming About Your Ex, According to a Dream Analyst

7. Someone Is About To Enter Your Life

"Another meaning of an itchy nose is that an unexpected visitor or new acquaintance is poised to enter your life very soon," Arbeau tells Parade. "Paying attention to your surroundings and being open to this opportunity is crucial, because they could be making a significant impact on your life in some way, either positively or negatively."

8. Your Energy Field Is Lively

"Seeing how a person's nose is a powerful gateway to their peace, a constant itchy nose might be a sign of the vitality of your energy field," Brickle points out. "In spirituality, energy and how it interacts with the body is decoded and understood based on a case-by-case experience rather than passed down ponderings."

9. Your Body Senses You're Lying About Something

Believe it or not, Arbeau says there's actually some truth to the story of Pinocchio and his nose growing bigger when he lied. "When someone lies, their body releases chemicals which causes the inside of their nose to swell up," she explains. "Due to this reaction, the increase in their blood pressure makes their nose tissue expand and the nerve endings tingle and twitch, making it itchy. This is called 'The Pinocchio Effect' and is a sign that your body knows you're not telling the truth."

Related: If You See a Blue Jay, Here's the True, Unexpected Significance of Them Appearing in Your Life

What Are Some Old Sayings About Your Nose Itching?

When it comes to old wives' tales, there are plenty that have to deal with itchy noses. Of those, a couple stand out to Arbeau.

"There's an old wives' tale saying if you have an itchy nose, it means someone is talking or gossiping about you," she recalls. "This is a widely believed superstition across many cultures and beliefs. Another one I like isn't nearly as popular or well-known, but nevertheless, it says if your nose itches, 'You are going to kiss a fool.'"

Does It Matter Which Side of Your Nose Is Itching?

If your nose does itch, try to remember which side actually itches, because Arbeau tells Parade it does actually matter. "The left side of the body is considered the feminine or 'receiving' side while the right side is the masculine or 'giving' side," Arbeau clarifies. "If your nose is itching on the left side, this could be an indication you'll be soon receiving something (usually something positive as it is associated with the feminine). However, if your nose is itching on the right side, this could indicate you'll be giving something away or losing something, like something could be lost or taken from you."

Related: What Does the Lotus Flower Symbolize, Exactly? Experts Reveal Its Significance

5 Medical Reasons Behind Itchy Noses

While there are spiritual reasons and superstitions as to why your nose may itch, there are also several medical reasons. To find out what some of those are, we spoke to board-certified physician and anesthesiologist, Dr. Azza Halim. See what she says are a few of the most popular causes, below.

1. Rhinitis

If your nose itches and you have some nasal congestion, Dr. Halim tells Parade this may be the culprit behind it. She explains, saying, "This occurs when histamine is released from allergens, which may trigger runny nose and itching."

2. Sinus Infections and Inflammation

Dr. Halim says another popular reason your nose may itch has to do with your sinuses. "Having a sinus infection and inflammation can cause itching as a result of dryness or congestion," she states.

3. Cold, Flu or Respiratory Illness

When someone's nose is really itchy, especially during the winter, Dr. Halim says it usually has to do with having a cold, the flu or some sort of respiratory illness. "When this happens, it leads to drainage and a runny nose, which thereby causes an itchy nose," she explains.

4. Environmental Irritants

According to Dr. Halim, having an itchy nose might also be a result of the atmosphere you're living in and how your body reacts to your surroundings. "An itchy nose can cause allergic and non-allergic reactions, which causes inflammation or histamine release," she says.

5. Nasal Polyps

One other reason a person might experience an itchy nose can be from nasal polyp, which are painless growths that are inside your nose. "Having those may trigger itching if they're irritating the internal nasal lining," she tells Parade.

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